Lunyu XV. 35. (426)

Virtue more to man than water or fire, and never hurtful to him.
The Master said, "Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue."

Legge XV.34.

The Master said, 'Benevolence is more vital to the common people than even fire and water. In the case of fire and water, I have seen men die by stepping on them, but I have never seen any man die by stepping on benevolence.'